Two police officers and a trader have been confirmed dead after they were killed in a clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, and some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command.
Apart from the dead officers, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said three other persons were taken unconscious to the hospital.
Three Police patrol vehicles were set ablaze by members of the fundamentalist Islamic sect during the attack.
The violent clash alsos left several Shi’ite members also killed and injured.
Police attempted to disperse the Shi’ite Arba’een Symbolic Trek, leading to a confrontation.
According to eyewitnesses, police opened fire on the trekkers, resulting in casualties.
The Shi’ite group had conducted a peaceful trek in Masaka and Zuba on Saturday, but the Abuja event turned violent, yesterday.
Sheikh Sidi Mainasara, a leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, alleged that the police attacked the peaceful trek, killing and injuring numerous mourners.
He said: “We wish to inform the public that the police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja, killing numerous mourners.
“While trying to disperse the Arba’een trek, the police killed and injured many mourners.
“Before the commencement of the trek, we searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme will end as scheduled.
“The Arba’een Trek conducted yesterday at Masaka and Zuba ended peacefully and successfully.”
Adeh said: ‘’The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.
“While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, Psc. mni. condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers. He promises to bring those involved to book.”
Adeh said the situation is presently under control and normalcy restored.
